About us
As our schools and colleges are now back at work for another academic year it is difficult to believe that a smaller institution of learning is now in its fourth decade in Nenagh. Nenagh Community Training Centre (Nenagh CTC) began life as the Young Nenagh Project in 1984 and is now located in St. John’s Place, once home to the CBS secondary school. When the idea for the project was first conceived in the early-1980s, Ireland was in the grip of an economic crisis not seen since the 1950s. The founding committee set out a number of aims for the Young Nenagh Project. It was intended to foster the development of the ‘whole person’ through training in life skills. Secondly, it was determined to equip the learner with practical skills in readiness for the workforce. Thirdly, it was envisaged that participants would appreciate training projects which would earn them the goodwill of the community. Finally, the venture sought to co-operate with local employers to secure work experience placements, some of which it was hoped would become longer-term positions.
With an initial intake of twenty learners the project began life in the SFADCo factory in Stafford Street and relied to a considerable extent on the work of suitably qualified volunteers as well as paid staff. The earliest course provided at the project lasted nine months and towards the end of that first phase the participants demonstrated their work at an open day. Among their merchandise on display were bird tables, magazine racks, soft toys, basketry and other products. The local business community was crucial to the early start-up phase of the project with initial contributions amounting to £1,500; later co-operation came in the form of work experience for the participants. Few could have envisaged that an organisation set up on a trial basis for nine months would continue to flourish thirty-two years later.
Nenagh in the 21st Century
The Mission Statement of Nenagh CTC is ‘to give young people the best opportunity to shape their own future in a safe, relaxed, friendly and caring space’. Today the work of the centre has never been more relevant. Young people from all walks of life are welcome to a place where they can learn and work in a non-judgemental, supportive and vibrant environment. June 2011 saw the refurbishment of the complex at St. John’s Place with an upgrading of learning and working facilities.
At the most recent presentation ceremony in November 2016, a number of our learners received Major certificates. Each one of these qualifications represents the completion of a personal journey of learning and achievement for the individual concerned. In May 2016, Nenagh CTC entered a new phase with the appointment of Rose Shanahan as Manager. Rose heads a team that remains as passionate as ever about the further education, upskilling and individual achievement of each young adult learner. The building, like the courses on offer, has evolved with time and now includes a fully-equipped computer laboratory, work-ready hair salon and kitchen, carpentry workshop, art-room, polytunnel, counselling/advocacy centre and several classrooms.
Nenagh CTC strives to provide a second chance by offering a range of innovative programmes leading to QQI Level 3 and 4 qualifications. Subjects include Catering, Customer Service, Art, Woodwork, Information Technology, Maths, Childcare, Personal Effectiveness, Hairdressing, Communications, work place safety, horticulture and many more...
These modules can lead to major awards in Employability Skills: Level 3. Pathways to Employment-General Learning: Hospitality & Catering, Early Childhood Education and Care Support, VTCT Level 2 Hairdressing Level 4.
Those aged between sixteen and twenty-one years who find themselves outside the formal education system but would like to obtain some qualifications while receiving an allowance are very welcome to email or call the centre on : 067 32832
As our schools and colleges are now back at work for another academic year it is difficult to believe that a smaller institution of learning is now in its fourth decade in Nenagh. Nenagh Community Training Centre (Nenagh CTC) began life as the Young Nenagh Project in 1984 and is now located in St. John’s Place, once home to the CBS secondary school. When the idea for the project was first conceived in the early-1980s, Ireland was in the grip of an economic crisis not seen since the 1950s. The founding committee set out a number of aims for the Young Nenagh Project. It was intended to foster the development of the ‘whole person’ through training in life skills. Secondly, it was determined to equip the learner with practical skills in readiness for the workforce. Thirdly, it was envisaged that participants would appreciate training projects which would earn them the goodwill of the community. Finally, the venture sought to co-operate with local employers to secure work experience placements, some of which it was hoped would become longer-term positions.
With an initial intake of twenty learners the project began life in the SFADCo factory in Stafford Street and relied to a considerable extent on the work of suitably qualified volunteers as well as paid staff. The earliest course provided at the project lasted nine months and towards the end of that first phase the participants demonstrated their work at an open day. Among their merchandise on display were bird tables, magazine racks, soft toys, basketry and other products. The local business community was crucial to the early start-up phase of the project with initial contributions amounting to £1,500; later co-operation came in the form of work experience for the participants. Few could have envisaged that an organisation set up on a trial basis for nine months would continue to flourish thirty-two years later.
Nenagh in the 21st Century
The Mission Statement of Nenagh CTC is ‘to give young people the best opportunity to shape their own future in a safe, relaxed, friendly and caring space’. Today the work of the centre has never been more relevant. Young people from all walks of life are welcome to a place where they can learn and work in a non-judgemental, supportive and vibrant environment. June 2011 saw the refurbishment of the complex at St. John’s Place with an upgrading of learning and working facilities.
At the most recent presentation ceremony in November 2016, a number of our learners received Major certificates. Each one of these qualifications represents the completion of a personal journey of learning and achievement for the individual concerned. In May 2016, Nenagh CTC entered a new phase with the appointment of Rose Shanahan as Manager. Rose heads a team that remains as passionate as ever about the further education, upskilling and individual achievement of each young adult learner. The building, like the courses on offer, has evolved with time and now includes a fully-equipped computer laboratory, work-ready hair salon and kitchen, carpentry workshop, art-room, polytunnel, counselling/advocacy centre and several classrooms.
Nenagh CTC strives to provide a second chance by offering a range of innovative programmes leading to QQI Level 3 and 4 qualifications. Subjects include Catering, Customer Service, Art, Woodwork, Information Technology, Maths, Childcare, Personal Effectiveness, Hairdressing, Communications, work place safety, horticulture and many more...
These modules can lead to major awards in Employability Skills: Level 3. Pathways to Employment-General Learning: Hospitality & Catering, Early Childhood Education and Care Support, VTCT Level 2 Hairdressing Level 4.
Those aged between sixteen and twenty-one years who find themselves outside the formal education system but would like to obtain some qualifications while receiving an allowance are very welcome to email or call the centre on : 067 32832
